Theatre Newsletter: October 2002

October 16 edition 9 - 02. St. Ambrose University
Department Chair- Dr. Corinne Johnson-  (563) 333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Megan O'Connell SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

SAU Theatre Newsletter  GYPSY SPECIAL!

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Gypsy Opens This Thursday!

The classic musical Gypsy opens in Allaert Auditorium at St. Ambrose University this Thursday at 7:30p.m. Performances run Thursday thru Sunday. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday's curtain at 3:00 p.m.

The story revolves around Mama Rose (Heather Starns) and her two daughters Baby June (Kelsey Francis & Renagh O'Leary) and Baby Louise (Kelsey Guard). Mama Rose tirelessly promotes her daughters and their vaudeville act. While attention is lavished on Baby June, Louise is left in the shadows, creating costumes and supporting her mothers dream of stage success. By the end of Act One, Baby June has left the act, and Mama Rose must make the now older Louise (Trina Gillen) the star of a new show. Though Louise is the reluctant star, Mama Rose, her agent and love interest Herbie (Matt Erkel), the new act is booked at a theatre. However, the Theatre turns out to be a House of Burlesque. Louise meets three strippers who instruct her in the ways of burlesque entertainment in the song You Gotta Get a Gimmick. From there, Louise meets her destiny and the audience witnesses the budding of one of the most famous strippers in history. 

The capable cast is led by director Dr. Corinne Johnson, music director Marti Dunn-Hall, and choreographer Shellee Frazee. Tickets are available in the Galvin Arts Box Office or by calling 333-6251. Come see this exciting musical, and remember: student tickets are free!

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Quad City Kids Hit SAU Stage

The musical Gypsy features several characters that are children. Children's auditions were held and kids from all over the Quad Cities showed up. "We simply held auditions and had a great turn out," said director Cory Johnson. I think a lot of the kids had worked with Shellee Frazee [choreographer] before.

Eighth-grader Kelsey Guard plays the younger Louise. The stage is no stranger to Guard who was a showgirl in this summers Crazy for You at Countryside Community Theatre, and Clara in the Quad City Ballets production of The Nutcracker. Though the rehearsals are at times vigorous, Guard enjoyed her acting experience at SAU. "The rehearsals were organized, and things seemed to prepared," said Guard. "The entire production team has been easy to work with."

Ben Dau is a student at North Scott High School, and plays a Farmboy (chorus member for the Baby June act). His characters name was assigned to him because of his hometown: Eldridge. Dau's two favorite roles include John Human in Dark of the Moon and Scranton Slim in Guys & Dolls. Dau's favorite part of working on an SAU production? "Its been great hanging out with the students here at Ambrose!" Dau commented, "And at a rehearsals, I've learned a lot".

Director Cory Johnson appreciates the participation of the students and their parents in the musical. "They add a youthful exuberance and a sense of innocence to the piece," Johnson commented.

Despite occasional difficulties with costumes and other technical issues, the young actors helped to maintain strength in the production.

Cory Johnson specifies one example when 4th grader Nathan Spainhower went onstage to perform a dance number in a costume too big for him. "Nathan Spainhower is such a trooper. Though his costumes were originally ill-fitting, he kept a stiff upper lip."

Spainhower's 12 year-old brother Adam is also in Gypsy.  The two brothers have performed together in the two man show, Sammy Corducci's Guide to Women.

The SAU students have enjoyed working with the younger actors as well. "They are so polite and hard-working," said senior Beth Curley. "I worked with some of them when we performed 'A Christmas Carol' so I guess I brought them up well!"

Regardless of age differences the cast and crew of Gypsy have all combined talents to produce a high-caliber musical with a great story.

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The Musical Gypsy Had A Farm:

And on that farm there was a dog, a rabbit, and a turtle named Peanut. Mama Roses zoo of child performers and animals proved a challenge to casting the musical Gypsy. However, auditions for children were held and actors secured. However, the script called for more difficult actors to find such as a monkey and a lamb. Director Cory Johnson deftly handled the charge for finding animal actors. "We opted for domesticated animals such as a rabbit instead of a lamb. The monkey only appears when Mama Rose admonishes the animal for eating part of a birthday cake; the solution was to place the focus for the monkey offstage."

The owners of the animals were quite willing to work with the SAU Theatre Department. Assistant director Casey McIntyre volunteered her turtle Sputnik. Other friends of the cast offered a friendly rabbit, and Sasha the Shihtzu will be debuting as Chowsie, Mama Roses dog.

Sasha's mom Linda Craig has enjoyed her time with the productions, "It's exciting to see Sasha onstage," Craig commented. "I think she's really enjoying herself."

Johnson keeps the animals happy by offering plenty of water, making sure humans don't annoy the animals, and giving each animal their own space.   Crew member Matt Cox enjoys the animals as well. They are a nice part of the cast, they are all very friendly and are welcome this stage.

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Freshmen Spotlight: Dan McGinn

Full Name: Daniel Patrick McGinn
Birthdate: July 19,1984
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
What made you come to SAU? My dad worked in the Computer Science department, and a liked the school a lot.
What has been your favorite experience at SAU thus far? My favorite part is meeting new people everywhere on campus.
Favorite Roles Performed: Charlie Brown in Charlie Brown, and Tulsa in Gypsy.
Favorite Actor/Actress: Tom Hanks
Dream Role/Job: Will Rogers in Will Rogers Follies
Current Productions: Dan is currently playing Tulsa in SAU's production of Gypsy.
Favorite Quote: Don't worry be happy!

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Aladdin Auditions Approaching:

Come auditions for the children's show Aladdin. Auditions are Monday, October 21st from 3-5:00, and Tuesday October 22nd from: 5 - 7:00 p.m.

Performances for Aladdin will be held in Allaert Auditorium from December 4-8th.

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Cast for Raised in Captivity Announced

Nicky Silver's dark comedy "Raised in Captivity" will be performed in the Studio Theatre Thursday November 7th thru Saturday November 9th.  The script offers hilarious dialogue with an emotional touch to it. Director Megan O'Connell has corresponded via e-mail with Silver about the production. "He has offered some insight to me as to why he wrote the script," O'Connell said. "However, he never says too much, perhaps in order to enable me to make my own production decisions."

The cast list follows:
Sebastian Bliss: Daniel Sheridan
Bernadette Dixon: Jill Schmits
Kip Dixon: Jeff De Leon
Hillary/Miranda Bliss: Beth Curley
Dylan Sinclair/Roger: George Strader

Seating in the fifty seat Studio Theatre is limited, so get your tickets now. Please note that ticket prices have increased to $5 per seat, and payment must accompany reservations. For any questions please contact the Galvin Box Office @ 333-6251.

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If you have any questions regarding the newsletter or would like to see an article published, please contact editor Megan O'Connell at SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com.

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